U.S. patent application number 12/180556 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for electronic device with support legs.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to ZI-MING TANG.
Application Number | 20090268396 12/180556 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41214801 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090268396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANG; ZI-MING |
October 29, 2009 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH SUPPORT LEGS
Abstract
An exemplary electronic device (30) includes a main body (40)
and two supporting mechanisms (60). The supporting mechanisms are
formed at two adjacent corners of the main body respectively. Each
supporting mechanism includes a support leg (62) and a sliding
member (63). The support leg is rotatably connected to the main
body. The sliding member is slidably connected to the main body.
The support leg is movably connected to the sliding member, in
order to make the support leg disengage form the sliding member
when the sliding member sliding relative to the main body.
Inventors: |
TANG; ZI-MING; (Shenzhen
City, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PCE INDUSTRY, INC.;ATT. Steven Reiss
288 SOUTH MAYO AVENUE
CITY OF INDUSTRY
CA
91789
US
|
Assignee: |
HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY
(SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
Shenzhen City
CN
HON HAI PRICISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
Tu-Cheng
TW
|
Family ID: |
41214801 |
Appl. No.: |
12/180556 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1616 20130101;
G06F 1/166 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/679.55 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2008 |
CN |
200810301354.4 |
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: a main body; and at least one
supporting mechanism having a support leg and a sliding member, the
support leg being rotatably connected to the main body, the sliding
member being slidably connected to the main body, and the support
leg being detachably connected to the sliding member, and the
support leg being capable of disengaging from, and engaging with,
the sliding member when the sliding member sliding relative to the
main body.
2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hook is
formed on the support leg, the hook engages with the sliding
member.
3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main
body further comprises a housing, the housing comprises a base
plate and a plurality of side plates, the side plates are
substantially perpendicularly extending from the edge of the base
plate.
4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base
plate defines at least one through hole, two assembling portions
are formed at an end of the through hole and opposite to each other
and on opposite sides of the through hole respectively, each
assembling portion defines a amounting groove, two shafts are
formed on opposite sides of an end of the support leg, and each
shaft is rotatably received in the amounting groove of one
corresponding assembling portion.
5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the side
plate defines a sliding groove, the sliding member comprises a
first sliding plate, a switching portion is formed on the sliding
member, and the switching portion is slidably received in the
sliding groove of the side plate.
6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sliding
member further comprises a second sliding plate perpendicular
extending from a side of the first sliding plate, a limiting post
is formed on the second sliding plate, each of the at least one
supporting mechanism further comprises a spring, the spring is
sleeved on the limiting post.
7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
at least one supporting mechanism further comprises a fastening
member and an elastic member, the fastening member is fixed to main
body and opposite to the support leg, the elastic member is
resisted between the fastening member and the support leg, thus
producing an elastic force to drive the support leg away from the
fastening member.
8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the elastic
member is a torsion spring.
9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
fastening member comprises a main plate and two positioning pieces
formed on opposite ends of the main plate, each positioning piece
defines a positioning hole, the supporting mechanism further
comprises two screws, each screw extends through the positioning
hole of one corresponding positioning piece, and screws into the
housing.
10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number
of the at least one supporting mechanism is two, the supporting
mechanisms are formed at two adjacent corners of the main body
respectively.
11. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1 being a notebook
computer.
12. The electronic device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising
a keyboard, the keyboard being disposed on the top of the
housing.
13. An electronic device, comprising: a main body; a display body
rotatably connected to the main body; at least one supporting
mechanism having a support leg and an elastic member, the support
leg being rotatably connected to the main body, the elastic member
being resisted between the main body and the support leg, thus
producing an elastic force to drive the support leg away from the
main body.
14. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
elastic member is torsion spring.
15. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
number of the at least one supporting mechanism is two, the
supporting mechanisms are formed at two adjacent corners of the
main body respectively.
16. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the main
body comprises a housing, the housing comprises a base plate and a
plurality of side plates, the side plates are substantially
perpendicularly extending from the edge of the base plate, the
support leg is rotatably connected to the base plate.
17. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13 being a notebook
computer.
18. A supporting mechanism, comprising: a main body; a support leg
rotatably connected to the main body, a sliding member slidably
connected to the main body, and the support leg being detachably
connected to the sliding member, in order to make the support leg
disengage form the sliding member when the sliding member sliding
relative to the support leg.
19. The electronic device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
supporting mechanism further comprises a fastening member and an
elastic member, the elastic member is resisted between the
fastening member and the support leg, thus producing an elastic
force to drive the support leg away from the fastening member.
20. The electronic device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the
elastic member is torsion spring.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to electronic
devices, particularly to an electronic device with a main body and
a rotatable display body.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] A notebook computer mainly includes a main body with a
keyboard and a display body. The display body is rotatably attached
to the main body in order that the display body can be opened and
closed relative to the main body. In use, the main body is
generally disposed on a desktop. However, an angle between the main
body and the desktop is normally 0 degree. Thereby, the keyboard is
uncomfortable for a user to operate, and the user easily feels
tired after long time of using the notebook. In addition, when the
notebook computer is laid on the desktop, the main body of the
notebook computer touches the desktop fully. Therefore, heat
produced by internal electronic components cannot be dispersed
efficiently from the main body of the notebook, even though the
notebook has a fan for heat dissipation. As a result, the internal
electronic components may be damaged due to overheating.
Accordingly, a notebook computer which can solve the
above-described problems is needed.
[0005] Referring to FIG. 9, a typical notebook computer 10 includes
a main body 11 and a display body 12. The main body 11 defines a
first groove 113 for receiving a keyboard 112. One end of the
keyboard 112 is rotatably connected to a sidewall defining the
first groove 113. A bottom wall in the first groove 113 further
defines a second groove 115 for receiving an elastic member 114.
One end of the elastic member 114 is rotatably connected to a
sidewall of the second groove 115. In use, the keyboard 112 is
rotated a desired angle relative to the main body 11, and is
supported by the elastic member 114. Therefore, the keyboard 112 is
slanted relative to the main body 11. As a result, a user may feel
comfortable to operate on the keyboard 112. Furthermore, a gap for
emitting heat is formed between the keyboard 112 and the main body
11.
[0006] However, a gap for emitting heat is formed between the
keyboard 112 and the main body 11, thus dust could easily get
inside of the main body 11 and deposits on the internal electronic
components of the main body 11. Therefore, a short circuit of the
internal electronic components may occur, and it is not easy to
disperse heat produced by the internal electronic components from
inside of the main body 11.
[0007] Therefore, an electronic device which overcomes the
above-described shortcomings is desired.
SUMMARY
[0008] An exemplary electronic device includes a main body and two
supporting mechanisms. The supporting mechanisms are formed at two
adjacent corners of the main body respectively. Each supporting
mechanism includes a support leg and a sliding member. The support
leg is rotatably connected to the main body. The sliding member is
slidably connected to the main body. The support leg is movably
connected to the sliding member, in order to make the support leg
disengage from the sliding member when the sliding member sliding
relative to the main body.
[0009] Other advantages and novel features will become more
apparent from the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to
scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating
the principles of the electronic device. Moreover, in the drawings,
like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout
the several views.
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a notebook computer in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present application.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the notebook computer in FIG.
1, showing only the bottom housing and the display.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, isometric view of the
notebook computer in FIG. 2, showing the structure of a support
mechanism.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the fastening member in FIG.
3, viewed from a bottom-side up aspect.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partially isometric view of the notebook
computer of FIG. 2, without the fastening member.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a partially isometric, cross-sectional view of the
notebook computer of FIG. 2, with the support leg engaged with the
sliding member.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a partially isometric, cross-sectional view of the
notebook computer of FIG. 2, with the support leg in use.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of the notebook computer supported by
the support legs of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a side view of a conventional notebook
computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0020] References will now be made to the drawings to describe
embodiments of the present electronic device, in detail.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a notebook computer 30 in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is
shown. The notebook computer 30 includes a main body 40 and a
display body 70. The display body 70 is rotatably connected to the
main body 40. The main body 40 includes a housing 41, a keyboard
42, two supporting mechanisms 60, and a plurality of electronic
components (not shown). The keyboard 42 is assembled on the top of
the housing 41. The supporting mechanisms 60 and the electronic
components are disposed in the housing 41 under the keyboard 42.
The display body 70 includes a display panel 71.
[0022] The housing 41 includes a rectangular base plate 411 and
four side plates 412. The side plates 412 substantially
perpendicularly extend from the edges of the base plate 411.
Referring also to FIG. 3, the base plate 411 defines two
rectangular through holes 4111 at two corners of the base plate 411
adjacent to a joint of the housing 41 and the display body 70. Two
opposite assembling portions 4112 are formed at an end of each
through hole 4111, on opposite sides thereof respectively. Each
assembling portions 4112 defines a U-shaped amounting groove 4113.
Two fixing poles 4114 are formed on the base plate 411, and
adjacent to opposite sides of the through hole 4111 respectively.
Each fixing pole 4114 defines a threaded hole 4115 in the top
surface. Four pads 416 are formed at four corners of the base plate
411 correspondingly (as shown in FIG. 8). The side plate 412
adjacent to the through hole 4111 defines a receiving groove 4121
corresponding to the through hole 4111. A side wall in the
receiving groove 4121 defines a sliding groove 4122 in the middle.
Two limiting portions 4123 are formed on the side plate 412
adjacent to opposite ends of the receiving groove 4121
correspondingly.
[0023] The supporting mechanisms 60 includes a fastening member 61,
a support leg 62, a sliding member 63, a spring 64, a torsion
spring 65, and two screws 66.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the fastening member 61 includes
a rectangular base portion 611, a first side wall 612, two second
side walls 618, and a third side wall 619. The first side wall 612,
the second side walls 618, and the third side wall 619
perpendicularly extend from the edges of the base plate 411. The
first side wall 612 is opposite to the third side wall 619. Two
cylindrical protrusions 613 are formed on the first side wall 612
and the third side wall 619 respectively. Two positioning pieces
614 are formed on opposite ends of the base portion 611. Each
positioning piece 614 defines a positioning hole 615 therein. A
limiting protrusion 617 is formed at an end of each second side
wall 612.
[0025] The support leg 62 includes a rectangular main portion 621.
The length of the main portion 621 is slightly less than that of
the through hole 4111 of the base plate 411. Two shafts 622 are
formed on opposite sides of an end of the main portion 621. Two
opposite flanges 623 perpendicularly extend at the other end of the
main portion 621. A hook 624 is formed on the main portion 621
between the flanges 623.
[0026] The sliding member 63 includes a first sliding plate 631 and
a second sliding plate 632 perpendicularly extending from a side of
the first sliding plate 631. A switching portion 6311 is formed on
a surface of the first sliding plate 631 away from the second
sliding plate 632 (as shown in FIG. 3). The switching portion 6311
is configured for being slidably received in the sliding groove
4122 of the side plate 412. The second sliding plate 632 defines a
rectangular cutout 6321 at the edge. A limiting post 6322 is formed
in the cutout 6321 of the second sliding plate 632. A rectangular
positioning portion 6323 extends from a side of the second sliding
plate 632. The positioning portion 6323 defines a hook slot 6324,
configured to receive the hook 624 of the support leg 62.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 7, in a process of assembling
one supporting mechanism 60 to a corner of the housing 41, the
shafts 622 of the support leg 62 are received in the assembling
groove 4113 of the assembling portions 4112 correspondingly, thus
rotatably connected the support leg 62 to the housing 41. The
spring 64 is sleeved on the limiting post 6322 of the sliding
member 63. The first sliding plate 631 of the sliding member 63 is
received in the receiving groove 4121 of the side plates 412, and
the switching portion 6311 is inserted into the sliding groove 4122
of the side plates 412. After that, the positioning portion 6323 of
the sliding member 63 is disposed between two flanges 623, and the
hook 624 of the support leg 62 is disposed in the hook slot 6324 of
the sliding member 63. The torsion spring 65 is sleeved on the
cylindrical protrusions 613 of the fastening member 61. Each
limiting protrusion 617 of the fastening member 61 engages with one
corresponding limiting portion 4123 of the housing 41. The screws
66 extend out of the positioning holes 615 of the fastening members
61, and screw into the thread hole 4115 of the fixing poles 4114
respectively, thus fixing the supporting mechanism 60 to the
housing. Then, the spring 64 is resisted between the sliding member
63 and the fastening member 61. The torsion spring 65 is resisted
between the fastening member 61 and support leg 62, thereby
producing an elastic force for driving the support leg 62 away from
the fastening member 61. The other supporting mechanism 60 is
assembled to another corner of the housing 41, according to the
above-described assembling steps.
[0028] Also referring to FIG. 8, in use, an external force is
applied on the switching portion 6311 of the sliding member 63, in
order to push the sliding member 63 away from the support leg 62
till the hook 624 of the support leg 62 disengages from the sliding
member 63. After that, the support leg 62 is driven to rotate
relative to the shafts 622 by the elastic force of the torsion
spring 65 until resisting the housing 41, thus supporting the
notebook computer 30. Then, the external force is released, and the
sliding member 63 is driven back to slide to the original position
by an elastic force of the spring 64. When the notebook computer 30
does not need to be supported by the support legs 62, the external
force is applied on the switching portion 6311 of the sliding
member 63 again, in order to push the sliding member 63 away from
the support leg 62. The support leg 62 is driven to rotate relative
to the shafts 622 by another external force, until the support leg
62 received in the through hole 4111 of the housing 41 again. After
that, the external force is released from the switching portion
6311. As such, the sliding member 63 is drive to slide by the
elastic force of the spring 64 along a direction close to the
support legs 62, till the hook 624 of the support leg 62 engages
with the hook slot 6324 of the sliding member 63 again.
[0029] Because the notebook computer 30 can be tilted away from a
desktop via the help of the support legs 60, operating the keyboard
42 of the main body 40 would be more comfortable. Furthermore, heat
can be dispersed from a bottom of the main body 40, thus making the
heat produced by the electronic components can be dispersed more
efficiently. The electronic components are sealed between the
housing 41 and keyboard 42, in order to isolate the electronic
components. In addition, when the notebook computer 30 need to be
supported by the support legs 62, a user only need to push the
switching portions 6311 from sides of the main body 40. That is,
the notebook computer 30 is convenient for use.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment, the supporting mechanism 60
can only includes a support leg and a sliding member. The sliding
member is slidably connected to the housing 40. The support leg is
rotatably connected to the housing 40, and can engage with the
sliding member.
[0031] It should be understood that, the notebook computer 30 may
include one single supporting mechanism 60. In that case, the
supporting mechanism 60 is preferably disposed on the middle of one
side of the main body 40. In addition, the notebook computer 30 can
include three or more supporting mechanisms 60. Furthermore, the
spring 64 and the torsion spring 65 can be replaced by other
elastic members.
[0032] It is believed that the present embodiments and their
advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and
it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or
sacrificing all of its material advantages, the examples
hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary
embodiments of the invention.
* * * * *